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World Welcomes Chinese Year of the Dog in Lunar Extravaganza

IN PICTURES: Asian communities around the world are gathering together to celebrate the Chinese Lunar festival.

Chinese communities across the world are exploding in an extravaganza of fireworks and decorations to usher in another lunar year: this time, of the dog. 

History books say the first celebration began thousands of years ago during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122BC), with additional festivals being tagged on as the centuries ticked past.

According to tradition, parents give children an envelope with a coin inside and tied with a red string for good luck and protection from the legendary spirit, Sui. Legend has it that Sui appears every New Year's Eve and touches children's heads.

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Wandering through a forest of trees decked in cherry red and bright yellow, a man strolls beneath a wave of decorations for the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar Festival, in Beijing, China.
Wandering through a forest of trees decked in cherry red and bright yellow, a man strolls beneath a wave of decorations for the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar Festival, in Beijing, China. Photo:Reuters
Filipino-Chinese, together with their furry friends, don traditional clothing for the Year of the Dog celebrations in Manila, the Philippines.
Filipino-Chinese, together with their furry friends, don traditional clothing for the Year of the Dog celebrations in Manila, the Philippines. Photo:Reuters
"Congratulations to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the arrival of the #AñoNuevoChino. I extend the greeting to the Chinese community that lives in this country and has made it its own. It starts the year of the dog, animal that symbolizes loyalty and trust," Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tweeted Thursday. Photo:Reuters
A young Thai boy plays with a dragon toy in the Chinese sector of Bangkok, Thailand.
A young Thai boy plays with a dragon toy in the Chinese sector of Bangkok, Thailand. Photo:Reuters
Chinese lanterns dangle above a romantic couple as they share a New Year kiss in the Binondo district of Manila, in the Philippines.
Chinese lanterns dangle above a romantic couple as they share a New Year kiss in the Binondo district of Manila, in the Philippines. Photo:Reuters
A boy stands beneath towering figures as Filipino dancers kick off the Chinese Year of the Dog celebrations in Manila.
A boy stands beneath towering figures as Filipino dancers kick off the Chinese Year of the Dog celebrations in Manila. Photo:Reuters
One of China's 12 zodiac signs, the Year of the Dog symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness and selflessness. However, those born under the sign may also be pessimistic, anxious and doubtful.
One of China's 12 zodiac signs, the Year of the Dog symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness and selflessness. However, those born under the sign may also be pessimistic, anxious and doubtful. Photo:Reuters
Traditionally, lions were the stuff of legend: merchants returned with tales of the beasts which later were depicted in art as mythical monsters colored in yellow, black, green, red and white - the colors of China's regions.
Traditionally, lions were the stuff of legend: merchants returned with tales of the beasts which later were depicted in art as mythical monsters colored in yellow, black, green, red and white - the colors of China's regions. Photo:Reuters
Chinese dragons appear throughout Asian culture and folklore: a symbol of power, strength, justice and good luck, with the gift of controlling water, rain, typhoons and floods.
Chinese dragons appear throughout Asian culture and folklore: a symbol of power, strength, justice and good luck, with the gift of controlling water, rain, typhoons and floods. Photo:Reuters
Even Mexico City's Chinese community joined in the fun with the traditional lions' dance, symbolizing bravery, energy and wisdom.
Even Mexico City's Chinese community joined in the fun with the traditional lions' dance, symbolizing bravery, energy and wisdom. Photo:Reuters
Published 15 February 2018
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